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FSUshadow goes global: 21 students connect with employers at FSU Republic of Panama Campus
For the first time, Florida State University students took part in an FSUshadow program at the university’s Republic of Panama […]
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From Honors Way to Hadrian’s Wall: FSU debuts new Honors Global Experiences program in London
This summer, the Florida State University Honors Program launched a new study abroad program in London for students to discover […]
The post From Honors Way to Hadrian’s Wall: FSU debuts new Honors Global Experiences program in London appeared first on Florida State University News.
Level 2 - Chikungunya in China
Level 2 - Chikungunya in Bolivia
Level 2 - Chikungunya in the Region of the Indian Ocean
Florida State University launches new modern languages, literatures, and cultures degree for Fall 2025
Florida State University has restructured and expanded upon its degree opportunities for students studying languages and linguistics, broadening graduates’ career […]
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Democratic Republic of the Congo - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Updated due to changes to the Travel Advisory level, U.S. government restrictions on personnel, and information on armed conflict in North and South Kivu.
Reconsider travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to crime, and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk due to armed conflict. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel To:
- North and South Kivu provinces due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, armed conflict, and kidnapping.
- Ituri province due to crime, civil unrest, terrorism, armed conflict, and kidnapping.
- Tanganyika, Haut Lomami, and the 3 Kasai provinces (Kasai, Kasai-Oriental, Kasai-Central) due to crime, civil unrest, armed conflict, and kidnapping.
- Mai-Ndombe province due to ethnic/communal violence.
Country Summary: Violent crime is common. This includes armed robbery, armed home invasion, and assault. Local police lack the resources to respond to serious crime in a timely and adequate manner. Assailants may pose as police or security agents. DRC law enforcement does not always inform the U.S. embassy when they arrest a U.S. citizen. They may also delay access to detained or charged U.S. citizens. DRC law enforcement has used violence and threats during interrogations.
Demonstrations are common in many cities, and some have turned violent. Police may respond with force, resulting in deaths and arrests. Looting, assault, traffic obstruction, property damage, and other violent actions occur when police don't respond in a timely manner, or at all.
The U.S. government cannot provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens outside of Kinshasa due to poor infrastructure and security risks. Due to the risks in the country, minor dependents cannot accompany U.S. government employees who work in the DRC.
Review the country information page for additional information on travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
If you decide to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo:
- Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Use caution when walking or driving.
- Always have a photocopy of your U.S. passport and DRC visa. Keep originals in a secure location. Carry your U.S. passport and DRC visa when crossing provincial borders or flying domestically.
- If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify U.S. Embassy Kinshasa immediately.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts from the U.S Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for the DRC.
- Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Ensure that documents and medications are easy to locate in case you need to leave on short notice.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
- We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
- Develop a communication plan with family, your employer or host organization. Specify how you'll confirm you're safe (text, calls, etc.), how often, and who you'll contact first to share the information.
North and South Kivu Provinces – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Active fighting is ongoing between armed groups and government military forces in the Kivu provinces; the M23 armed group is occupying major cities of Goma and Bukavu. Missiles and armed drones have been used in the conflict. The fighting has forced thousands of people from their homes which can cause instability in the province.
Violent crime is common throughout the Kivu provinces. This includes murder, rape, kidnapping, and pillaging. Road travelers are common targets for ambush, armed robbery, and kidnapping.
Terrorist and armed groups operate in the Kivu provinces. They have attacked military and civilian targets. This includes aid workers, businesspeople, and other NGO staff in the area.
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in North and South Kivu provinces. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Demonstrations and large gatherings can occur throughout the region, especially in urban areas. Mobs can form rapidly and turn violent, posing a threat to bystanders.
Due to the security risks, U.S. government employees working in the DRC must obtain special authorization to travel to North and South Kivu Provinces. Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Kivu provinces.
Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Ituri Province – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Violent crime continues throughout Ituri province. This includes murder, rape, kidnapping, and pillaging. Road travelers are common targets for ambush, armed robbery, and kidnapping.
Terrorist and armed groups operate in Ituri province. They have targeted both military and civilian sites. This includes humanitarian aid workers and other NGO staff in the area.
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Ituri province. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Demonstrations and large gatherings can occur throughout these regions, especially in urban areas. Mobs can form rapidly and turn violent, posing a threat to bystanders.
Armed groups, individuals, and military forces routinely clash with each other. Civilians are frequently targeted in attacks.
Due to the security risks, U.S. government employees working in the DRC must obtain special authorization to travel to Ituri province. Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Ituri province.
Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Tanganyika, Haut Lomami, and the 3 Kasai Provinces – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Violent crime like murder, rape, kidnapping, and robbery are common in these areas:
- Tanganyika
- Haut Lomami
- Kasai provinces: Kasai Oriental, Kasai Central, and Kasai.
Road travelers are common targets for ambush, armed robbery, and kidnapping.
Demonstrations and large gatherings can occur throughout these regions, especially in urban areas. Mobs can form rapidly and turn violent, posing a threat to bystanders.
Armed groups, individuals, and military forces routinely clash with each other. Civilians are frequently targeted in attacks.
Due to the security risks, U.S. government employees working in the DRC must obtain special authorization to travel to eastern DRC Region and the 3 Kasai provinces. Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in eastern DRC Region and the 3 Kasai provinces.
Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Mai-Ndombe Province – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Violence in Mai-Ndombe is rising. There are also more police and military in the area, especially along the Route Nationale 17. Government security officials may limit travel for U.S. citizens when violence rises. Activity of armed groups could block passenger and freight traffic on regional routes in the province. Protests can occur without warning.
Due to the security risks, U.S. government employees working in the DRC must obtain special authorization to travel to Mai-Ndombe province. Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Mai-Ndombe province.
Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas
United Arab Emirates - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Reissued to reflect current security conditions.
Exercise increased caution in the United Arab Emirates due to the threat of terrorism and missile or drone attacks.
Country Summary: Residents and visitors generally find a safe and secure environment in the UAE. However, elevated regional tensions have aggravated the risk of aerial and other terror attacks across the region. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping areas, government facilities, places of worship, and in particular locations associated with the Jewish and Israeli communities.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) recommending caution for U.S. air carriers and commercial operators operating in the Middle East, including the UAE. For more information, U.S. citizens who plan to travel to the region should check the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
Residents and visitors should be aware the UAE has strict rules on social behavior, drug possession, traffic violations, and financial crimes. Breaking these rules can lead to arrest and/or an exit ban. U.S. citizens should review the Department of State’s Country Information Page for the UAE to learn about local laws, special circumstances, and additional information about travel to the United Arab Emirates. media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter.
- Follow the U.S. Mission to the UAE on Facebook, Instagram, and X, and visit the Mission website.
- Review the Country Security Report for the United Arab Emirates.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Brazil - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Updated to add risk indicator for kidnapping.
Exercise increased caution in Brazil due to crime and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do not travel to these areas due to crime:
- Anywhere within 160 km/100 miles of Brazil’s land borders with Bolivia, Colombia, Guyana, French Guiana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. This restriction does not apply to the Foz do Iguacu National Park or Pantanal National Park.
- Informal housing developments, such as favelas, vilas, comunidades, or conglomerados, at any time.
- Brasilia’s “Satellite Cities” at night. This includes Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa.
Country Summary: Violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, and carjacking, can occur in urban areas, day and night. There was a kidnapping for ransom of U.S. travelers. Gang activity and organized crime are widespread and often tied to the recreational drug trade. Assaults, including with sedatives and drugs placed in drinks, are common, especially in Rio de Janeiro. Criminals target foreigners through dating apps or at bars before drugging and robbing their victims. U.S. government employees are advised not to use municipal buses in Brazil because of a serious risk of robbery and assault, especially at night.
If you decide to travel to Brazil:
- Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Do not accept food or drinks from strangers and always watch your drinks.
- Use caution when walking or driving at night.
- Avoid going to bars or nightclubs alone.
- Avoid walking on beaches after dark.
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
- Be alert to date drug scams.
- Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs.
- Be careful at major transportation centers or on public transport, especially at night. Passengers are at higher risk of robbery or assault when using public buses in Brazil.
- Use increased caution when hiking in isolated areas.
- Develop a communication plan with family, employer, or host organization so they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. Specify how you'll confirm you're safe (text, calls, etc.), how often, and who you'll contact first to share the information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for Brazil.
- Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
- We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
International Borders – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Given security risks, U.S. government employees working in Brazil must obtain special authorization to travel within 160 km/100 miles of the international land borders with Bolivia, Colombia, Guyana, French Guiana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Travel to the Foz do Iguacu National Park and Pantanal National Park is allowed.
Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Informal Housing Developments (commonly known as favelas, vilas, comunidades or conglomerados) – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Given crime concerns, U.S. government employees working in Brazil must obtain special authorization to travel to informal housing developments in Brazil.
Do not travel to informal housing developments, even on guided tours. Neither tour companies nor police can guarantee your safety when entering these communities. Even in areas that police or local governments deem safe, the situation can change quickly. While some informal housing developments have clear boundaries, other such areas may be less obvious, and may be identified by crowded quarters, impoverished conditions, or irregular construction. Exercise caution near these communities as gang fighting and police clashes sometimes move beyond the confines of these areas.
Check the Safety and Security Section on the country information page and consult the maps on the Embassy’s website for details about favelas.
Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
Visit our website for Travel High-Risk Areas.
Brasilia’s “Satellite Cities” – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Given crime risks, U.S. government employees working in Brazil must obtain special authorization to travel to Brasilia’s Administrative Regions of Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
FSU undergraduate researchers attend international education and technology conference in South Korea
Three Florida State University students who met through an undergraduate research project traveled to Seoul, South Korea, this summer to […]
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Florida State University doctoral candidate finds new life for old novel during Fulbright in France
For many writers, completing a creative work involves countless revisions or even a full rewrite. Samuel Granoff, a doctoral candidate […]
The post Florida State University doctoral candidate finds new life for old novel during Fulbright in France appeared first on Florida State University News.
Level 2 - Global Polio
Fulbright Fellowship enriches academic and creative endeavors for FSU student pursuing a doctorate in history
Historians, tasked with piecing the past together, often cross countries and oceans to access sources and better understand their topics […]
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Antarctica - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Reissued after periodic review without changes.
- Exercise increased caution in Antarctica due to environmental hazards posed by extreme and unpredictable weather and limited emergency services.
- There are no U.S. government consular services available to U.S. citizens in the Antarctic Region. The closest U.S Embassies/Consulates are in Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa. U.S. government resources in the Antarctic Region are committed to the U.S. Antarctic Program, per longstanding U.S. policy.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Antarctica.
If you travel to Antarctica:
- We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
- Travel with a professional guide or organization such as those that are a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, or, if organizing a private expedition, be self-sufficient and have emergency medical evacuation insurance.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
- Contact the Department of State’s Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs for travel information at Antarctica@state.gov.
Cambodia - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
The advisory level was increased to 2. The “unrest” risk indicator was added. An area of increased risk was added. The advisory summary was updated.
Exercise increased caution in Cambodia due to crime and landmines. Some areas have increased risks. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel to:
- Areas along Cambodian and Thai border due to armed conflict.
Advisory summary:
Phnom Penh
Street crime, particularly phone and bag snatchings, occurs frequently in areas where foreigners gather; resistance can result in injury. Violent crimes, such as sexual assault and homicide do occur and sometimes are committed against foreigners.
Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, and Kampong Thom provinces
Landmines and unexploded ordnance are found in remote areas throughout Cambodia, and especially in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, and Kampong Thom provinces.
Do not touch unknown metal objects; instead notify the Cambodia Mine Action Center at 012-800-473/023-995-437. Use a local guide when walking in forested areas or dry rice paddies in these areas.
Level 4: Do Not Travel
Cambodia – Thailand Border
Do not travel to areas within 50km of the Cambodia – Thailand border due to ongoing fighting between Cambodian and Thai military forces.
There are reports of fighting, including rocket and artillery fire, between Cambodian and Thai forces along the border. Armed conflict has led to reports of civilian casualties. There is a collateral risk of violence, and U.S. citizens are advised to avoid all but essential travel to within 50km of these border areas until further notice. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces due to the ongoing risk of armed conflict.
Read the destination information page for additional information on travel to Cambodia.
If you decide to travel to Cambodia:
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for Cambodia.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
- We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
Thailand - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
The advisory level was increased to Level 2. An area of increased risk was added. The advisory summary was updated.
Exercise increased caution in Thailand due to risk of unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel to:
- Areas along the Cambodian and Thai border due to armed conflict.
Advisory summary:
Exercise increased caution due to civil unrest associated with ongoing insurgent activities in the Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces.
Periodic violence between Thai security services and armed insurgents has been known to occur in Thailand’s three southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat. Seventeen districts in these provinces remain under a declared state of emergency due to ongoing violent conflict. There is a collateral risk of violence for U.S. citizens in Thailand’s southernmost provinces due to low intensity conflict.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces as U.S government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these provinces.
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
Thailand - Cambodia Border:
Do not travel to areas within 50km of the Thai-Cambodian border due to ongoing fighting between Thai and Cambodian military forces.
There are reports of fighting, including rocket and artillery fire, between Cambodian and Thai forces along the border. Armed conflict has led to civilian casualties, and the Thai government has ordered the evacuation of certain areas. There is a collateral risk of violence, and U.S. citizens are advised to avoid all but essential travel to within 50km of these border areas until further notice. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces due to the ongoing risk of armed conflict.
Read the destination information page for additional information on travel to Thailand.
If you decide to travel to Thailand:
- Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for Thailand.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
- We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage..
Syria - Level 4: Do Not Travel
Updated to reflect recent developments in Syria.
Do not travel to Syria due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, hostage taking, and armed conflict.
Country Summary: The U.S. government suspended operations of the U.S. Embassy in 2012. Czechia serves as the protecting power for the United States in Syria. The U.S. government is unable to provide any routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Syria. Do not travel to Syria for any reason.
Syria has experienced active armed conflict since 2011. No part of Syria is safe from violence. Hostage taking by armed groups, terrorism, remnants of war such as unexploded ordnance, and aerial bombardment pose significant risk of death or serious injury. The destruction of infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, and power and water utilities has also increased hardships inside the country.
The U.S. government strongly warns private U.S. citizens against traveling to Syria to engage in armed conflict. The U.S. government does not support this activity. U.S. citizens who undertake such activity face extreme personal risks, including hostage taking by armed groups, injury, or death.
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Syria. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Parts of Syria have experienced recent increases in incidents of bombings, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and assassinations. Providing material support or resources to designated foreign terrorist organizations, including ISIS and al-Qa’ida (AQ) affiliates, is a crime under U.S. law that can result in penalties including prison time and large fines.
There is an ongoing risk of hostage taking of U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals throughout the country. In the past, U.S. citizens have been targets of abduction and detention in Syria. Those in detention may not have access to fair judicial process or medical attention. Current detention center conditions are unclear but could be harsh and unsanitary. Failure to obtain a legitimate entry visa directly from the Syrian government could result in detention.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) advising against travel to Syria due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Syria. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. Read the country information page for additional information on Syria, including alerts related to the closure of airspace.
If despite this warning, you decide to travel to Syria:
- Visit our website on Travel to High Risk Areas.
- Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or power of attorney.
- Familiarize yourself with and respect local laws and customs. Foreign travelers may face increased risk of detention and harassment.
- Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones. This is so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax).
- Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your loved ones to access them.
- Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones. This is so they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States. Review thoroughly this list of documents to prepare for your trip.
- Check local media for breaking events. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Develop a communication plan with family or your employer or host organization (if you are traveling on business). This is so they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. Specify how you will confirm you’re safe (texts, calls, etc.), how often, and whom you will contact first to share the information.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- Make backup plans to leave the country.
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts.
- Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.